Cinema Review – 50/50
How can a film that is about dealing with cancer be funny? Surely that is poor taste? Well 50/50 is probably one of the most bitter sweet films you will ever see.
TITLE – 50/50 YEAR – 2011 DIRECTOR – JONATHAN LEVINE CAST – JOSEPH GORDON-LEVITT, SETH ROGEN, ANNA KENDRICK WRITERS – WILL REISER
I am the first to admit that I had my doubts about this film. When I saw the trailer and read the releases about the plot, I thought this just sounds sick. How is it going to be funny? Oh No a gross out film with Rogen ruining it again. But I was definitely not prepared for the ride that 50/50 took me on.
We follow the story of Adam, played by Joseph Gordon-Levitt, a young, healthy young man. He doesn’t smoke, drink, and exercises regularly. However early on we learn he has got a dose of rare spinal cancer. As Adam undergoes the treatment we watch as he struggle to maintain the relationships with his best friend, mother, girlfriend and therapist, played by Seth Rogen, Anjelica Houston, Bryce Dallas Howard, and Anna Kendrick respectively.
Writer Will Reiser had a very difficult job writing this story. I comedy about Cancer could be a whole load of wrong. It is a very fine line between a farcical slap stick comedy with no taste at all, and a film that plays down the humour so much that it just isn’t funny. Thankfully Reiser got this spot on. He hit the sweet spot. 50/50 had me going from laughing out loud to bawling my eyes out and back again. It was a real roller coaster, and I loved every minute of it.
The script is absolutely perfect, the dialogue is snappy and with enough wit to reel you in and get you completely invested in all of the characters. The awkwardness of Adam’s friends and family is shown brilliantly, they have to try to find the right things to say to keep Adam positive, all the time dealing with their own emotions and sadness at their loved ones illness.
JGL is astonishing in this film. He is the dramatic centre of the story, not completely without humour, but he is where the drama is at. JGL does a fantastic job of showing Adam’s conflicting feelings. He doesn’t want to be handled with kitten gloves, he is not a precious china doll, but he also doesn’t want to be forgotten about. The most dramatic and tear jerking moments are in the quiet parts where Adam is staring down the barrel of his own mortality, he shows the fear and anger of a man who has been put in this situation with no fault of his own. I would love if Gordon-Levitt got a nod at the Oscars this year for this performance, form charming and funny to wildly depressed and scared, he shows an amazing range.
But, this film is not all about JGL. The supporting cast was all very solid putting in great performances. Seth Rogen has gone through a rough patch with me, Green Hornet was a low point in our relationship as Movie star and viewer, but with 50/50 I think we have turned a corner. The chemistry between the two best friends was perfect. We needed Rogen and his childish humour to balance out the sombre side of the story at times. Not only that but he also has some dramatic chops, who would’ve thought it? He is as upset about his best buddy’s illness as anyone, he just hides it deep deep down. Kendrick’s turn as the young therapist who has little experience but a huge amount of compassion was great too, she is admirable and a lovable character. Also Anjelica Houston is in fantastic form, her erratic, protective and flighty Mother who would sweep Adam up in her arms if only he would let her, will make every son or parent cry. She lights up every scene she is in.
Some may find the storyline hard to swallow but the expert hands of Jonathan Levine bring this story to life. He blends the drama and comedy just right. I loved the clever use of shifting focus too.
50/50 is now fighting for the top spot as my film of the year. I left the theatre completely drained but totally uplifted. It is a keeper
FRC Rating
[starreview tpl=16 size='30']
50/50 IS OUT NATIONALLY IN UK ON 25TH NOVEMBER 2011
Are you interested in this film? Are you a fan of JGL? Should he get a nod for this role? Comment below.
Scott Lawlor
Wow. Excellent, mate.
It was the perfect balance of comedy and despair. Loved it myself, too!
Thanks Mike! I am glad you came away with a similar feeling to me!
Somehow it manages to be one of the funniest films of the year as well as being the most honest about dealing with the nature of illness and more specificly dealing with the reactions/attitudes of those loved ones around you.
it’s my film of the year by a mile.
And yes i cried like a baby throughout!
great review mate
You prefer it over Drive? It’s in my top 10, but can’t beat the Gos and his motor
WOW that is quite a statement matey…film of the year? It is very good, probably no. 3 for me now it has settled in my mind
This is one of my most anticipated movie. I didn’t read your review fully because I want to get my own impression of it. I always like Joseph Gordon-Levitt, and I like Anna Kendrick from ‘Up In The Air’. Hopefully I could watch it soon. Thanks Scott, perfect score there
I understand Andina. I do the same. I hope you see it soon, and enjoy it as much as I
Perfectly balances out drama and comedy so well and the realistic performances from the whole cast, are what makes this my favorite film of the whole year. Great review Scotty! Glad you liked it too my man.
Thanks for the comment Dan. You sum it up better than I in one line!!
Wow, your last line summed the film up perfectly, “I left the theatre completely drained but totally uplifted”. I felt the same way. A beautiful film. Glad you liked it as much as I did.
Oh, and I love the new site banner.
Thanks Sammy. I am a little bit happy with the new look to FRC.
I am so chuffed that this film touched people as much as it did me!
I had the same reaction as you matey… ‘How can a film that is about dealing with cancer be funny?’ but yet the direction and acting somehow made this not only funny but poignant as well. I’m not a Seth Rogen fan but he’s quite watchable in this but the star really is Levitt, what a fearless performance. I like Kendrick since Up in the Air, and Anjelica Huston is a hoot as the domineering but loving mother. LOVE her!
Great review, matey.
Thanks my friend. It is quite an achievement huh? to be treading such a fine line and not go over the top on either drama or comedy…prefect!
As I type these very words, my mother-in-law lies on her death-bed in the last stages of cancer. I’m not sure I can handle a film like this right now, but I think once the dust settles I can watch it and probably even relate to it a little more. Sounds like a great cast, and I’ve also sort of lost interest in Rogen after Hornet so I’m happy to hear he’s on the right track again.
Oh Mark, I am sorry dude. My thoughts are with you.
It is such a great film, and deals much more with the family than ust the patient. You will enjoy it I am sure…. in time.
Take care Bro
Great review, Scott. So glad to hear you liked this movie just as much as I did. A real tearjerker, but so funny at the same time. It’s near the top of my 2011 list as well.
Cool Eric!! I am so happy to have seen it in the little intimate screening room that I did too. really nice
I can’t wait to see this film. Despite what you say about him near the beginning of your review, I absolutely love and adore Seth Rogen – ever since Freaks and Geeks I’ve followed his work closely (I admit some of which I’ve loved, others not so much). Teaming up with JGL for this is also a big selling point for me, as is the ever-amazing Anna Kendrick.
Great review!
I am so pleased you Like Seth. He just doesn’t sit right for me…sorry.
You will love this one I am sure!
I missed out on seeing the preview screening of this, and I’m so gutted about it. Your review makes me want to see it even more! I’m not going to lie, I love both Seth Rogen and Joseph Gordon-Levitt. For a start, they’re very easy on the eye (many people have disagreed with me when it comes to Rogen). They always make me laugh and only once has Rogen let me down with a poor film (Pineapple Express, I’m looking at you). So excited for this one! Thanks for the review Scott
Really? There were so many of them flying about…that is really bad luck Amy. I hope you get to see it soon. You will love it…bring the tissues
Tearjearking? Don’t tell me you were reduced to a puddle of tears by this? It wasn’t that bad ahah
Anyways solid movie. My only minor complaint is how Seth Rogen is only used for comic relief with basically no character development. Glad you loved this Scott!
AHAHAH Shut it Castor!! Stop trying to hide those emotions and let them run free!!
I was a complete mess…I needed a lie down, I felt as emotionally worn out as I did after Blue Valentine. LOL
great review, Scottie, very enthusiastic
Love Joseph, can’t stand Seth Rogen, but I will check this one out when I get a chance.
I know…was it too gushy?
LOL
I look forward to your thoughts when you do see it my friend
drained…that is a good way to describe how you felt after watching it! Man!
this one was a rollercoaster of ups and downs wasn’t it?!
Glad you like this film so much. I really did. A bit too much usage of the f-word in it for my taste but all in all a solid movie. Man, who woulda thunk it? Cancer and comedy.
I almost started to cry at several spots, but then the funny moments swoop right in and take that away…and vice versa.
Nice review Scott!
I am still shocked by all you fellas saying you didn’t cry….come on, let it out..stop pushing it down…It feels good, plus the ladies like it!!
I’m afraid this one won’t come up in Sweden until next year. But I’m definitely going to watch it, even though I know it surely will be quite devastating for me.
Hi Jess.
It is an amazing film, there are no two ways about it. I hope you see it soon, I look forward to your write up, my talented friend.
I saw this at LFF and loved it! It truly is one of the best I’ve seen this year! I love the combination of funny and sad and how they managed to make us laugh, but still we could connect with JGL’s characater! Great review!
Thanks Aziza. Again another person that enjoyed this film!! It is sooooo good!!
I’ve heard a mixture of good and bad things about this, so it’s difficult for me to make up my mind. I’ll definitely see it, but I think I’ll wait for the DVD. I have a feeling I won’t love it as much as you, but Joseph Gordon Levitt is one of my favourite American actors, by far.
I think you will enjoy it. I know I was fairly gushy, but check the other comments matey, I am not alone!! A great flick!
Great review! I have to confess, movies that deal with Cancer scare me. It’s such a deadly disease and i’m sure everyone knows of someone who have been through it that for me it becomes easier to not think about it. I know it is the wrong attitude as Cancer is a harsh reality now and I am changing my outlook. Having said that I shall be watching the movie when I get a chance.
I think that is the beauty of this film Raghav, it tackles this social blindness to the subject head on without being heavy and over bearing. I think you will love it
Spot on with your review Scott, I’ve not had teary eyes in a cinema screen for quite some time. Jonathan Levine did an excellent job of combining the humour with a very moving story.
I had a feeling it was going to be good before I watched it but I had no idea of just how good it would be.
One of the best of 2011.
I would love to see this! But, unfortunately, it *still* hasn’t got a release date here so I imagine it will just go straight-to-DVD. I think it might just be faster to order the blu-ray from America.
Nice review, Scott! Glad you liked it so much.
Hi Scott, finally I’m feeling better again (thanks for the advice with the bucket
)
Loads of posts I see I missed. Wow, movie of the year is surprising. I saw this as well and thought it was very good (review will be up soon) too (although it’s not my movie of the year). Levitt was exceptional and his performance moved me, especially the bit with his parents at the hospital. Great review mate!
When I was watching the movie I remember thinking how wan JGL looks but with this and Inception, he’s going for more lighthearted roles. Yes, despite of how this movie is about cancer.
I have problems with Bryce Dallas Howard’s character and how we’re supposed to hate her before she’s done something wrong.
But the rest of it is about JGL’s character knowing how to find relief in his situation, which is a treat to watch.